ESC+Plus has talked to Sabina Chantouria, finalist of this year’s Georgian national selection for Eurovision. Sabina will perform “Stranger” in the final show set to take place on January 20th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma-aMo6GZDs
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Georgian national selection for Eurovision 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Sabina Chantouria: I´m a Georgian/Swedish singer and songwriter, my father is Georgian and my mother Swedish. I have been singing since I was very young and writing my own songs since my early teens, music has always been a big part of my life. After high school I decided to try to make my way in the music business, and when I was 19 I went to Hollywood for the first time and participated in a talent show and since then my career has been moving forward.
I´ve had concerts in Georgia, Sweden, Denmark, USA and collaborated with both Georgian, Swedish and American musicians and music producers. I´ve released three singles and two music videos and had my songs on Georgian, Swedish and American radio. I´m now collaborating with the Swedish music publishing company Sweden Songs.
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in the Georgian selection for Eurovision 2017?
Sabina Chantouria:Â It has been on my mind for some time. It felt like a natural step to take in my musical career this year.
ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
Sabina Chantouria:Â I was hoping to make it to the final and I felt very happy and excited of course when I found out that I was going to participate in it.
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Georgia?
Sabina Chantouria: That would mean very much to me, and of course it would be a big honor.
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Sabina Chantouria: I have written the music and lyrics and it´s produced by the music producer Amir Aly and the Swedish Music Publishing Company, Sweden Songs is the publisher for the song. The story behind the song is about the sudden change of somebody that I used to know very well and be very close to. Our relationship changed very fast and this person became a stranger so to speak, to me. All my songs come from my heart and mind, so it´s about something I´ve felt and experienced.
ESC+Plus: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Kiev? What are your strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Sabina Chantouria: It´s an original pop song, that I think can attract a wide audience and appeal to people in different ages, it´s also strong in the sense that there´s a very distinctive melody and energy in it.
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us anything about your stage performance for the final?
Sabina Chantouria:Â No not yet, I prefer to keep it a secret but I can tell you that I am very excited about it.
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Sabina Chantouria: Yes I do, I enjoy watching it and has done so since I was a child actually. There are many, but I think Abba´s Waterloo is my favorite.
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Sabina Chantouria: I´d say choose Emmelie De Forst, from Denmark with Only Teardrops. I like her sound and musical expression.
Special thanks to Sabina for this interview and video greeting. We wish you all the best for the final!